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Ashley Smith: Downtown Development Authority? It's Do or Die!

Posted:
12/09/2015 08:36:58 AM MST

Ashley Smith

I have to admit when the first bump-outs were placed on Fifth and Main streets, I wondered, "What the what?" But now, don't hate me, I actually like it. The brick sidewalks, beautiful trees and flowers entice me to eat dinner downtown and stroll along the improved atmosphere. However, this change of facade has a lot more to do with Cañon City's future than just widened walkways. Please let me explain.

Cañon City normally doesn't spend money on projects like this because, historically, we are a low cost, provide-the-basic necessities type of citizenry. However, this time, we had to come up with creative ways to generate more funds for traditional services, as well as address other expensive (but necessary) needs that have never been adequately dealt with before, such as essential storm water mitigation and long-term street maintenance.

After hiring professional consultants and studying other rural cities, which once had similar struggles, it became clear that Cañon City had to update its image to better accommodate developers and business people in order to increase our revenues via increased local spending, growth and tourism. Hence, the beginning of the downtown makeover and now the formation of a key element to the success of the downtown revitalization: The Cañon City Downtown Development Authority.

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Changes such as these don't just happen by chance. It requires a unified and strategic plan. Based on proven successful models and professional recommendations we had to first, and I quote, "Redevelop the historic downtown in order to improve the pedestrian experience, introduce outdoor eating, entertainment and provide a higher quality image to residents and visitors." In translation, that's probably the consultants' diplomatic way of saying, "Clean up your Main street so it doesn't look like a shantytown so businesses and people will actually want to spend some time and money there!"

The next step towards promoting economic growth is organizing a Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The purpose of a DDA is to bring together various groups that have a stake in the commercial district and get them working towards the same goal. The ultimate goal is create a busy shopping center again. With a DDA they can collaborate to halt property value deterioration by providing affordable financing for much needed historical building restoration, studying which types of stores will be most successful and then promoting new business recruitment, leveraging private investment incentives, and marketing.

While some "seed" money will be needed to get the DDA up and running it will ultimately fund itself by garnishing the increased sales tax revenue generated from previous tax year baselines.

It's heartening to see entities coming together to work for a better town. Likewise, it's prudent to be more open to positive changes taking place for improvement. Change is hard, especially for a town so deeply entrenched in a "don't spend money" philosophy. But we have to think like a business and in order to stay in business, businesses have to make capital investments from time to time to remain competitive. Our town is no different.

While the overall plan for economic growth isn't complete, there already have been positive changes occurring. The improved sections of Main Street have more retail spaces rented out, more foot traffic and serious investors are coming in offering good jobs because they like what they see happening on Main Street. Others have a renewed interest in buying and fixing up nearby homes because they enjoy the improved lifestyle and convenient location. As improvements like these build, so will the tax revenues to pay for basic city expenditures.

Come and consider downtown's potential possibilities. You may find yourself enjoying a lovely stroll and perhaps some shopping and dinner, too.

In the meantime, add your support to the formation of a Cañon City Downtown Development Authority and attend its public meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 128 Main St.

Ashley R. Smith is a Cañon City Council Member elect, starting in 2016. She has volunteered for various local causes, including the Fremont County Youth Coalition. ashleyswriteidea@gmail.com

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